Prague Updates: Changes to Keep in Mind 2025
Prague is a city of timeless charm, but like anywhere, it occasionally goes through changes that can catch visitors off guard. If you’ve read about an iconic attraction or planned your itinerary based on older printed or online guides, you might be surprised to find a few things temporarily changed.
Whether it’s a favorite spot closed for renovations, adjusted hours, or new updates affecting the regular rhythm of the city, it’s always good to know what to expect.
In this article, I’ll share some of the current happenings in Prague that might impact your visit, ensuring you’re in the loop and can plan your trip smoothly. Let’s dive into what’s new and what’s on pause in the City of a Hundred Spires!
St. Vitus Cathedral Requires a Ticket for Entry
Normally, visitors can explore the front part of St. Vitus Cathedral for free and only need a ticket to explore the entire interior. However, the cathedral is currently accessible only with a ticket. The reason? Exciting renovations are underway!
Prague is preparing to install a new organ in St. Vitus Cathedral’s reconstructed choir loft, a decade-long project. Construction of the organ starts in March 2025, with the organ currently being prepared in Spain and set to be installed by autumn 2025.
Tuning will follow, along with final adjustments, with the formal handover expected in February 2026. The organ’s grand blessing is planned for St. Vitus Day, June 15, 2026, followed by a series of celebratory concerts.
So, while you might need a ticket to enter the cathedral, it’s all part of making this iconic cathedral even more spectacular for years to come!
Petřín Funicular: Closed for Major Renovation
The Petrin Funicular, Prague’s most-visited tourist attraction, carrying over a million passengers annually, is temporarily out of service. It’s so popular, in fact, that the few steps leading to the lower station at Ujezd are often called the busiest stairs in the city!
Known for its scenic ride up the hill to breathtaking views and landmarks like the Petrin Lookout Tower, the funicular is undergoing a significant transformation.
Unexpected heavy rains in September 2024 damaged and undermined the tracks, prompting an early closure. Reconstruction work, originally scheduled for later, is set to begin in March 2025. It’s now expected to reopen in summer 2026 with brand-new vehicles.
The new funicular cars are designed by Anna Maresova, renowned for her work on the stylish T3 Coupé tram, famous for its retro charm and onboard bar, and even for her award-winning designs in an unexpected field: luxury erotic products.
Drawing inspiration from Petrin Hill’s reputation as a place of love and joy, the new cars will include playful features. For instance, when the two funicular cars pass each other, one will “wink” at the other, causing its interior lights red as blushing. Isn’t that sweet?
If you’re looking for other ways to reach the top of the hill and the Petrin Observation Tower, check out the transport authority’s website for all your options.
Astronomical Clock: The Apostles’ Show Now Starts Earlier
The famous Astronomical Clock on Prague’s Old Town Hall now offers more chances to see its Apostles’ procession, as the show now starts earlier at 8 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. The figures appear every full hour, running until 11 p.m.
If you don’t mind an early start, this is actually a huge advantage. The crowds are much smaller in the morning, making it a more enjoyable and less hectic experience. So, if you want the best view without jostling for space, set that alarm and head to Old Town Square bright and early. Plus, the early morning atmosphere on Old Town Square is simply unbeatable, trust me.
The Narrowest Street in Prague Temporarily Closed
Dates: January 12 – February 21, 2025
One of Prague’s quirky tourist attractions, the city’s narrowest street, famous for its pedestrian traffic light, will be temporarily closed. This passage is a fun stop for visitors, located in Lesser Town just a short walk from the famous Charles Bridge, but it will be inaccessible during this period. Plan your route accordingly.
Gardens at Prague Castle and Lesser Town: Limited Access in Winter
During the colder months, many of Prague’s beautiful gardens are closed or have limited opening hours. As of November, many gardens at Prague Castle and in the Lesser Town close for the winter. If you’re planning to visit these in the colder months, check the opening times:
- All gardens at Prague Castle: Closed from November to February (link)
- Gardens below the Prague Castle: Closed from November to March (link)
- Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada): Closed from November to March (link)
- Vrtba Gardens (Vrtbovská zahrada): Closed from November to March (link)
- Vojan Gardens (Vojanovy sady): Opened September 8–19, October and November 8–17 (link)
Wenceslas Square Construction: Tram Tracks Are Coming Back
If you’re visiting Prague, be prepared for some construction work at the upper part of Wenceslas Square. The area is currently partially fenced off as workers restore the tram tracks that once ran through this historic boulevard.
Expect some noise, dust, and limited pedestrian access in certain spots. While this might be a temporary inconvenience, the result will be worth it—a revitalized Wenceslas Square with improved public transport and a more charming atmosphere.
Prague Bans Pub Crawls to Tackle Rowdy Tourism
In an effort to tackle excessive alcohol tourism, Prague has officially banned organized pub crawls and bar tours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., effective from November 2024.
Prague has long attracted stag and hen parties, especially from the UK, but the rowdy nightlife has led to noise, vandalism, and strained emergency services. By implementing the pub crawl ban, Prague aims to reduce these challenges and foster a more respectful and sustainable tourism environment.
Karlin Barracks (Kasárna Karlín): Currently Closed
Once a popular vibrant cultural venue built in former military barracks, Kasárna Karlín has been shut down in June 2024 by authorities. Kasarna Karlin is a 19th-century military barracks that has been transformed into a lively cultural venue in Prague’s Karlín district.
The spacious central courtyard and surrounding buildings featured popular bars, cafés, beach volleyball court, a summer cinema, a giant sandbox, a mini lookout tower, an outdoor fireplace, an ice skating rink and hosted many events such as live music, theatre performances, art exhibitions and much more.
It’s a big change for the city’s arts and nightlife scene, as this spot was known for its lively atmosphere and events. Its reopening is still uncertain.
Museum of Prague: Set to Reopen in 2025
After being closed for major reconstruction since 2020, the Museum of Prague is scheduled to reopen at the turn of spring and summer 2025. The renovated museum will feature a new high-tech exhibition centered around the Langweil model of Prague, offering visitors an innovative way to explore the city’s history.
Museum has been a significant cultural landmark since its establishment in 1881. It is located in a beautiful neo-Renaissance building at Florenc built in 1900 and designed by architect Antonín Balšánek.
The reopening of the Museum of the Capital City of Prague is highly anticipated, promising to provide both locals and tourists with a refreshed and engaging experience that celebrates the rich history and culture of Prague. Honestly, I can’t wait to visit it!
Metro Stations Českomoravská and Pankrác Closed for 2025
Two Prague metro stations, Českomoravská (yellow line B) and Pankrác (red line C), will be closed for renovations from January 2025, for about a year. These stations are not in the city center, so they may not affect your stay unless you’re heading to specific locations.
Českomoravská (Line B)
Českomoravská station on Line B will be closed for upgrades, including escalator and elevator replacements. If you’re attending an event at the O2 Arena, Českomoravská is a key station. You’ll need to use the Vysočanská station and either take a tram or a bus or walk. The renovation is expected to last around 11 months, with services resuming at the end of 2025.
Pankrác (Line C)
Pankrác station on Line C will also be closed for roughly 12 months starting January 2025. You can use the nearby Pražského povstání station and tram line 19 as an alternative. The reconstruction will include escalator and elevator improvements and connections to new Line D. Full service is expected to resume by the end of 2025.
Old Royal Palace at Prague Castle: September Closures
If you’re planning to visit Prague Castle in September 2025, be aware that the Old Royal Palace will host the Bohemian Crown Jewels exhibition. This will only impact you if you’re specifically planning to visit the palace during that time.
The exhibition of the Bohemian Crown Jewels, held in the stunning early Gothic Vladislav Hall of the Old Royal Palace, affects the building’s accessibility. The Palace closes a week before and after the exhibition for setup and takedown. Exact dates of the exhibition and the closures will be announced later in the year.
Normally part of the paid tour at Prague Castle, the Old Royal Palace is free to enter during the Crown Jewels exhibition. However, be prepared for the exhibition immense popularity and the likelihood of long lines.
Keep these updates in mind as you explore the city and plan accordingly. I wish you a fantastic stay in Prague, enjoy all the magic it has.
